Jan. 29 (UPI) — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is appearing before the Senate Committee on Finance on Wednesday as he seeks confirmation to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
Kennedy, a former Democrat, addressed criticism that he is anti-vaccine, saying this is not true.
“News reports have claimed I’m anti-vaccine or anti-industry. I am neither,” Kennedy said. “I am pro-safety. I believe that vaccines play a critical role in healthcare. All of my kids are vaccinated. Nor am I the enemy of food producers.”
The committee chair, Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, said in his opening statement that Kennedy represents a “voice for an inspiring coalition of Americans who are deeply committed to improving the health and wellbeing of our nation.”
“Regardless of political party, everyone in this room shares a common recognition that our current system has fallen short as well as a common desire to make our country healthier,” Crapo said.
Ranking Member Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., immediately brought Kennedy’s history of pushing conspiracy theories and speaking out against vaccinations to the forefront. He recounted Kennedy’s visit to Samoa in 2019. During this visit, Kennedy espoused his opposition to vaccinations, preceding a measles outbreak about three months later. Eighty-three people died, including more than 60 children under the age of 4.
“Americans cannot afford to import this experiment to our great nation,” Wyden said.
Kennedy is among President Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees expected to face challenges on the path to confirmation. If confirmed, he will have authority over 13 divisions and 10 agencies in public health and three human services agencies.
The secretary of the department leads the government’s preparedness and response to public health emergencies as well as Medicare and Medicaid programs and the regulation of foods and medicines. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug Administration and National Institutes of Health fall under their purview.
While Kennedy has been critical if not in outright opposition of vaccinations, some of his stances remain unclear. He has voiced support for abortion rights but he has walked back his position since ending his presidential campaign and supporting Trump.
After the election, Kennedy pledged to not ban any vaccinations.
More than 24,000 health professionals are not convinced, signing a letter to the U.S. Senate urging senators to oppose Kennedy’s nomination.
“They should look at his record and it will absolutely confirm that he is a danger,” said Dr. Rob Davidson, executive director of the Committee to Protect Health Care.
The letter highlights more positions Kennedy has taken that have drawn criticism, including linking school shootings to antidepressants and promoting the use of ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19.
“Our patients deserve a Secretary of HHS who upholds the principles of science and public health, focusing on addressing real public health crises facing Americans such as the high cost of prescription drugs, access to care, and the systemic barriers patients face – not someone whose legacy is built on lies and conspiracy theories,” the letter reads.
